Punjsb Transport Minister Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned on Sunday and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann accepted promptly following the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar.

Randhawa allegedly held a minister responsible in a video recorded before his death, he claimed that he was taking the extreme step due to pressure and fear. The allegations made in the video have triggered a political storm in the state.

Responding to the accusations, Laljit Singh Bhullar categorically denied all charges, said, the charges  “baseless and unfounded.”

Bhullar said that his party has always stood for transparency and truth, and that he personally supports a fair and impartial investigation. He requested the Chief Minister to accept his resignation so that the probe is not influenced in any manner.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the entire episode as extremely tragic and concerning. He expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

Mann said that a government officer taking such a step is a serious matter and deserves a fair investigation.The Chief Minister has directed the concerned department to conduct an inquiry and submit its report at the earliest. He also made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty.

In the meantime the opposition has launched a sharp attack on the government over the matter. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said that this is a very serious case and that justice must be ensured for the victim’s family.

He demanded that a case be registered under Section 302 and that the accused minister be arrested. He also called for the investigation to be handed over to a central agency.

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also demanded an impartial probe. He alleged that the deceased officer was reportedly being pressured over tender-related matters. Majithia further said that all digital evidence connected to the case, especially mobile phones, should be preserved so that the truth can come out.